Geographic Constructions of Race: The Midwest Asian American Students Union

This case study was focused on the establishment of the Midwest Asian American Students Union (MAASU) as a racial project reflecting students' articulations of a regional, panethnic identity in response to racism. A critical race theory lens was used to analyze interviews with 13 MAASU founders. Findings highlight the role of social context (in particular, geographic place) and peer networks in racial formation and panethnic identity development, reveal an important historical moment in Asian American college student experiences and resistance to racism and isolation, and provide insights into how student affairs can better support Asian American students.